Starting college, whether as a freshmen or a returning student, means getting the hang of classes, writing academic papers and spending what can feel like an eternity studying. However, with a little bit of careful planning, proper study skills and the right tools, studying can be a breeze. Knowing how and when to study is an invaluable skill in helping students get better grades.
Learn Time Management Skills
The general rule for study time for college classes is for every hour of class time, two hours outside class should be spent studying for it. Therefore, a two-hour class needs four hours of study time every week.
If a student has eighteen hours of classes, thirty-six hours of outside work are recommended. That’s fifty-four hours out of every week spent on schoolwork. If managed properly, those thirty-six hours of study time outside classes can feel like no time at all.
Time management is one of the most important parts of studying well. If a student can’t focus in the mornings, scheduling early classes and trying to study in the morning will have a negative impact on grades when report cards come out. Learn when the best times for the individual's focus are to help with scheduling classes and study time to the student’s advantage.
Making time to do homework, write papers or read over lecture notes every day should be of primary concern. Review what was taught in class within the first twenty-four hours following class. This helps students to retain information.
The best way to figure out what study schedule works best for each student is to make a list of all activities during the student’s day, including classes, sleeping, routine tasks, mealtimes and extra-curricular activities. Once time has been allotted for activities, it will be easier for students to work out when the easiest times to study will be – and use them wisely.
The Best Study Skills for Students
- Plan ahead. Know when papers and projects are due and start working on them early; the temptation to procrastinate in college is huge, but it can be avoided if students train themselves to remember and work towards deadlines.
- Study in a well-lit and organized study area. Students should not study in bed, where naps can take precedence over reading or writing. Sitting in a supportive chair at a desk will allow students to concentrate comfortably.
- Divide up large tasks into smaller ones. Attempting to read a book the night before it’s due will only cause frustration. Knowing deadlines will help students figure out how to divide up a project and get it done on time. Dividing tasks up also helps students stay more organized.
- Focus. Studying will not be accomplished if the student is getting online, chatting with friends or talking on the phone when study time has been scheduled. Remove unnecessary distractions to allow the student to work on the tasks that need to be completed.
- Talk to professors. Teachers are there for a reason, and are required to have office hours where they will be available for students to ask questions or catch up on missed work. Get familiar with a professor; this can help a student manage the class work more easily, especially in difficult classes.
- Study for specific amounts of time. Students need to know how long to study. If after half an hour a student is restless and unable to concentrate, taking a break can be an effective study aid. Students that can study for three hours at a stretch will get work done in one sitting and more efficiently. Knowing individual limits and preferences makes studying easier.
Use the Best Study Tools
Laptops are excellent tools for helping students get organized and work more quickly. Using things like The Hit List for students with Macs or Symantec Storage Software for PC users can help keep deadlines, projects and notes easily accessible and organized.
There is no substitute, however, for physical work. Handwriting and copying notes, using note cards, hi-lighters and post-its to keep organized can help students stay focused on work. Having notes and homework on paper instead of a screen will help students with retention.
Knowing how to study, when and where will give students the edge needed in order to get and keep the best grades. Use effective study habits to ensure that students put in good work and get the best results and knowledge out of classes and studying.
Students who want to get organized should check out The Best Way to Organize for College Students and the Dorm Room Checklist. Students who are living off-campus might want to read up on Decorating an Apartment on a Budget, and all students can use a Summer Reading List for College Students, as well as Back to School Tips for College Students.
Bailey Shoemaker Richards - Bailey is a writer from Ohio. She is pursuing a creative writing degree at Ohio University, where she is currently a senior. Bailey ...
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